National Epilepsy Foundation opens Nebraska chapter

This is the last day of National Epilepsy Awareness Month and in an effort to raise awareness the Woodmen Tower in downtown Omaha will shine purple tonight. Rose Opbroek is the executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Nebraska and says they welcomed some recent good news for those who suffer from this disorder.

Opbroek says, “The Epilepsy Foundation of America just recently opened a chapter in Nebraska. For the first time we have a physical presence. We have an office. We have a staff member here in Nebraska on the ground to provide services and programs for people and families with epilepsy.”

There are about 33,000 Nebraskans that suffer with this disorder. Opbroek says while there is no cure, research continues on why and how it happens. There are many ways to help control seizures and they are working on identifying triggers.

Opbroek says purple is the national color for epilepsy awareness and lighting the Woodmen Tower tonight is a highly visible method of drawing attention to the issue. It will be glow purple from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.